Welcome to the delicious world of Dr Pepper meatballs! This recipe is a twist on the classic dish, and is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.
With no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, you’ll have juicy, flavorful meatballs ready in just 3 hours. The hint of sweetness from the Dr Pepper adds an extra depth of flavor that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Here’s what you’ll need
This recipe will use frozen meatballs. You can use meatballs that contain beef, turkey, or both of these, or you can make your own meatballs.
In any event, it is best to started by using frozen meatballs. The rest is just Dr Pepper soda and barbecue sauce!
How to make slow cooker meatballs
- To begin, we need to pour the soda into the slow cooker. This will provide the liquid base for our recipe.
- Next, we’ll add the BBQ sauce and stir until it is fully blended in with the soda. Make sure to keep stirring until all the chunks of BBQ sauce have been completely dissolved.
- We can now add the last ingredient, the frozen meatballs, to the slow cooker. Make sure to spread them out evenly so that they cook evenly.
- Set your slow cooker to the appropriate setting which is 3 hours on high and let it work its magic!
Could you make these meatballs in the Instant Pot instead?
Making meatballs in the Instant Pot is a great way to save time and energy in the kitchen. Set it to ‘Manual’ mode and cook for about 10 minutes. Once your timer goes off, do a quick pressure release of the steam and open the lid to reveal perfectly cooked and juicy meatballs.
Can I use other cola instead?
Dr Pepper specifically will give you the unique flavor that it’s known for so stick to it, but any type of cola will give you a similarly sweet taste. This means that Coke, Pepsi, or any other type of cola can be used as a viable substitute
In terms of taste, the cola may be slightly less sweet and have a different flavor profile than the original Dr Pepper, but it will still work if you don’t have access to the original soda.
How many Dr Pepper meatballs per person
Are you planning a party or gathering and wondering how many Dr Pepper meatballs per person to make? The answer depends on the size of your group and the type of meal you are serving.
If you are having a full meal, it is recommended that you provide between 3 to 4 pieces of Dr Pepper meatballs per person. If it is just a snack, then one or two Dr Pepper meatballs per person should suffice.
To make sure that everyone gets their share, consider making a few extra Dr Pepper meatballs in addition to the original number you had planned. That way, no one will have to go without!
What to serve with Dr Pepper meatballs
These savory treats are a crowd pleaser and can be served with a variety of side dishes to make it a complete meal. For an easy dinner, serve your Dr Pepper Meatballs with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
For a heartier dinner, pair them with rice or noodles and a side salad. If you’re looking for something special, try serving the meatballs with roasted potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts for a flavorful dish your family will love.
No matter what sides you choose to serve with your Dr Pepper Meatballs, your family is sure to love this delicious meal!
OTHER RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
Dr Pepper Meatballs
Tantalize your taste buds with these delicious Dr Pepper meatballs!
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Frozen Meatballs
- 3 cups Your favorite BBQ sauce I used Sweet Baby Rays
- 2.5 cups Dr. Pepper
Instructions
Slowly pour Dr. Pepper into the slow cooker, making sure to evenly distribute it around.
Add BBQ sauce and mix well.
Place frozen meatballs into the slow cooker.
With a wooden spoon, gently move around the meatballs until they are fully covered in sauce.
Cover the slow cooker and let it cook for 3 hours.
Check the internal temperature of the meatballs to ensure it is fully cooked. Internal temperature should reach at least 165F.